But Ipswich responded and took all three points back to Suffolk through strikes from Flynn Downes and Kayden Jackson.

And speaking to the local media after the defeat on the Wirral, Mellon reflected on the Sky Bet League One clash.

Mellon said: “I couldn’t fault their effort and desire. We know the qualities that Ipswich possess, and if you give them any sort of half a mistake, they punish you as they are top end players.

“But our players stuck with it and ran their hearts out and fought really hard and I felt really disappointed for them in the end.

“Ipswich are a very good side and we knew that it would be difficult at any point in the season, but I was pleased with the energy and work-rate of our players.

“We worked really, really hard and it was a tough one to take.

“We’re disappointed that we broke our shape and we may have seen it through, and when you play top opposition, you fear that their quality may undo you, but I’m only positive for our players, they have run their socks off and worked really hard.”

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